Why Arizona’s law is a hornet’s nest

Here are the facts: (1) Arizona lawmakers have boxed police officers in with a law that requires them – under threat of litigation – to check the citizenship of anyone they suspect of being in the country illegally once they make contact due to an alleged infraction; (2) the list of “infractions” is broad enough to include everything from trespassing to vagrancy to soliciting work to attending a party where the music is too loud; and (3) police officers are going to do everything they can to fulfill their obligations under the law.

And, as human beings, those officers will find it difficult not to give in to their prejudices. Take it from the experts. Among the critics of the Arizona law I heard from is a Latino police sergeant in a major U.S. city who, after more than 25 years on the job, knows how this game is going to play out.

“You’re right,” he wrote, “in the real world of policing as a peace officer on the street, any tool will be used to gain an advantage during any contact. It’s our nature to be proactive.”

Which is why the rest of us have to be just as proactive in pointing out what an indefensible law this is – especially to those who are determined to defend it.